Hi all,
I'm having a .416rigby made by ex Rigbys, Ronald Wharton. England.
He has convinced me that a CZ action is the way forward. He also seems to think that the new cz actions are a bit more robust than the new mauser 98 action. What do you think about the cz action in .416?
I really wanted to go for a heavier calibre, like a 500jeff, but he thinks that a .416 is a better choice due to the pretty bit of wood being used! He is also using mercury rods to be sure.

This is all for a buff hunt to the Selous in July.

Thanks, John

The CZ action may be cheaper/rougher than a new Mauser 98 (whose 'Mauser 98', by the way?), but I doubt one can categorically state that it is 'more robust'.

Also, it is your rifle; if you want a .500 Jeffery or .500 A-Square or a .500 AR, it's your call. The 'pretty wood' should not enter into the equation.

While I don't want to dampen your enthusiasm for a new custom rifle, consider the purchase of a stock CZ 550 in either .416 Rigby or .458 Lott for your upcoming buff hunt (time is relatively short to both acclimate yourself to a new rifle and work out any possible kinks it might have), and proceed with the custom build upon your return.

George

George,
Thanks.
The mauser action would be a new one, not pre war which would be ideal.
I won't need to buy a stock cz as I already have a Jeffery 450/400 3'', which I might take.
I believe Ron 'fiddles' with the cz action in order to make it more pleasant.

John, IMO a CZ550 or ZKK602 can be cleaned up to be just as appealing as a magnum 98 Mauser, and for less. Examples are some made by AHR, Lon Paul, Tom Burgess, Roger Ferrell, etc.

very interesting. How does a cz action compare to a modern mauser action...is the quality and stength of the metal the same?

I can't answer that scientifically or definitively but the biggest and most powerful sporting rounds are built mainly on CZ550s (600 OK, 550 Mag, 550 Gibbs, etc.).

Assuming a very competent gunsmith, I don't think there would be any mechanical disadvantage to using the CZ.

It would really come down to personal preference. If the rifle is to be a real high end custum gun then some people might not be happy about it being a "done up" CZ. For others, it would not be an issue. However, I think in the past Rigby used BRNOs and H&H have used M17 actions

One plus the CZ has over some expensive custom large Mauser type actions is reliable availability. There are two threads on the Gunsmithing forum of this site that could scare you right into a CZ action

Mike

H&H themselves built many custom rifles using P14 and M17 actions.

As to the CZ it has two insurmountable advantages:
it is readily available, and it is reasonably priced. That and the fact that anyone who looks at a custom by AHR can see what a gorgeous rifle they make into. I have them now in 375, 416 Rigby, and 505 Gibbs, and will have the new one in 450 Dakota here shortly. In two years I plan to have AHR build me one in 600 OK.

Rich
DRSS
Knowledge not shared is knowledge lost...

quote:

Originally posted by Idaho Sharpshooter:


......I have them now in 375, 416 Rigby, and 505 Gibbs, and will have the new one in 450 Dakota here shortly. In two years I plan to have AHR build me one in 600 OK.

Rich
DRSS
Knowledge not shared is knowledge lost...

Rich,

With all due respect, you are a "GW".....Gun Whore!!

I prefer to categorize myself as a big bore aficionado...
For a lot of years I owned one or two and wrung them out, hunted a year with them, and then traded on the next thing on my list. With retirement, I am reexamining the list and reacquiring the ones I really enjoyed.

Rich
DRSS
Knowledge not shared is knowledge lost...

I doubt there is anyone here who would compare, in a serious way, a CZ550 to a new Magnum Mauser 98 as supplied by "Mauser". The CZ is inexpensive and has proven it's viability but it is NOT even remotely in the same league.

If I were up against a deadline and, as George states, still needing to acclimate to my gear, I would be contacting AHR like yesterday or buying a new Magnum Mauser off the rack.

I am afraid I have to disagree with all who are recommending the CZ 550 action. i do have several CZ's,including a 550 safari magnum in 505 gibs. The action is rough and poorly finished in all the large calibers, but surprisingly OK in the smaller ones. There is alot of slop in the magnums. I did take a stone o my 505, and got it to cycle smoothly, but you cant take the slop out of an action; use a granite mountain or similar action if you have the option

I really dont understand why he would use a CZ action when there are better available,eg granite mountain, Waffenfabrik Hein, and of course the European high end actions.

quote:

Originally posted by jcorry:
Hi all,
I'm having a .416rigby made by ex Rigbys, Ronald Wharton. England.
He has convinced me that a CZ action is the way forward. He also seems to think that the new cz actions are a bit more robust than the new mauser 98 action. What do you think about the cz action in .416?
I really wanted to go for a heavier calibre, like a 500jeff, but he thinks that a .416 is a better choice due to the pretty bit of wood being used! He is also using mercury rods to be sure.

This is all for a buff hunt to the Selous in July.

Thanks, John

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Indlovu:
I really dont understand why he would use a CZ action when there are better available,eg granite mountain, Waffenfabrik Hein, and of course the European high end actions.
[QUOTE]
Hmmm...many books have been written of the things we don`t understand..maybe Jcorry has a story that has yet to be published

I will post a picture of this rifle when I get it. 7-8 weeks left.
Thank you for your opinions... some more helpful than others......!